I was born in Knoxville, TN, but I grew up in Cleveland, TN. After graduating from Bradley Central High School, I attended the University of Tennessee off and on for a few years before I decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in 2000. I followed my brother, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999, and I was followed by my sister, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001. After boot camp and combat training, I went to the Logistics Operations School at Camp Johnson to learn Maintenance Management. After school, I was assigned to the 2d Marine Division General’s Staff, Maintenance Management Office where I tracked mission critical gear for all Division units for the first 3 years of the Global War on Terrorism. I have 2 children. My son is serving his first tour in the US Navy, and my daughter will be starting high school soon.  I now live in Knoxville with my loving husband, Frank. I have always found gardening to be very calming and therapeutic, so I am very blessed to have Frontline Gardens building this garden for me.